San Juan
Puerto Rico has managed to combine its long storied history
with the status of a top-flight resort island, and has done so in a masterful
way. With approximately 300 miles of coastline, the island attracts beach lovers
from around the globe. And with over 500 years of history, there is so much to
see and do here besides soak in the tropical sun's rays.
The Taino Indians, who called the land Boriken, which means,
"the great land of the valiant and noble Lord", originally inhabited
Puerto Rico. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, he was greeted by the
natives, who showed him all of the gold nuggets in the land and told Columbus he
was free to take as many as he wanted. Originally, the Spaniards named the
island San Juan after St. John the Baptist, and the city Puerto Rico, or
"rich port." The two names were eventually switched. In March 2, 1917,
President Woodrow Wilson signed a law stating that Puerto Rico was now a US
territory, organized but unincorporated, and all Puerto Ricans were thereby
American citizens.
San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital city, stands as a microcosm
of the islands rich duality. Old San Juan has buildings still standing from the
days of the early Spanish explorers. At the same time, gigantic hotel and casino
complexes, appealing to the high-rolling jet set, dot other parts of San Juan.
San Juan is easily broken up into several smaller sections,
each with its own character. Geographically, San Juan Island, which contains Old
San Juan and Santurce, bound Condado. South of Condado is Miramar, which is
located right on the lagoon. East of Old San Juan is Puerto de Tierra, and
finally there is Isla Verde, a little detached from the rest.
Remember that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so
American citizens do not need passports to enter and exit the island. Another
advantage American travelers have is duty-free shopping, so feel free to hunt
for all the good values found in San Juan's many shops.
Casinos are almost as plentiful as beaches here. It could
take weeks to experience everything there is to do here. The beautiful beaches,
the exciting water sports, the fine dining, and the great shopping blend
effortlessly with the island's rich history to make Puerto Rico the shining
star of the Caribbean.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas was discovered by vacationers shortly after World
War Two, and tourists have been flocking to this island paradise ever since. It
is one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean, and its capital, Charlotte
Amalie, is the busiest shopping center in the islands. St. Thomas is a wonderful
mixture of the beauty of nature and the efficiency of a powerful trade center.
There is always so much going on in Charlotte Amalie that you can't help but
let the excitement get to you. The fun and enjoyment of this bustling young city
is incredibly contagious, and it will add a certain zest to your already
phenomenal trip to St. Thomas.
More than ten cruise ships a day steer into the port at St.
Thomas, and because of successful tourism, the standard of living in St. Thomas
has been raised considerably. The island is only twelve miles long and a mere
three miles wide, but you will think it is gigantic when you start investigating
all that there is to see and do. Thanks to U.S. government programs, this island
is the most developed out of all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is an
additional reason to visit and adore St. Thomas. The locals are eager to assist
you on your travels, and they are incredibly friendly and responsive. The
national language is English, and the currency is the U.S. dollar, and both of
these factors contribute in making St. Thomas an even more ideal vacation spot.
In addition to the busy shopping and cultural center located
in and around Charlotte Amalie, over half of the island is the environmentally
protected Virgin Islands National Park. It is quite refreshing to see a
collection of individuals who care so deeply about nature and their
surroundings. This area is simply gorgeous, as is the rest of the island.
Numerous engaging activities await you on St. Thomas, and the shopping is
marvelous. The island is safe , and you will be made to feel right at home in
this comfortable and warm tropical hideaway
Dominica
Dominica is part of the Windward Islands. The Windwards are
made up of four main islands: Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and
the Grenadines. These islands are not considered to be the heavy tourist
attractions, as compared to their Caribbean neighbors, but this is a plus, as
they are far enough off the beaten path to afford the adventurous traveler the
pristine natural beauty this region has to offer.
Dominica has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, with
various native tribes calling the island home over the millennia. The original
settlers, the Ortoroid people, came, went and were replaced by the Igneri in
about 400 AD. They lived here peacefully for the next thousand years, until the
aggressive Carib tribe made their way up from South America and took over the
island in 1400. Christopher Columbus was the first European to find the island,
and he named it Dominica because he arrived here on a Sunday, November 3rd,
1493. As a result, the 3rd of November remains a national holiday
here.
Dominica offers some of the most unique and breathtaking
scenery in the world. The island only covers 290 square miles, measuring 29
miles from north to south and 16 miles from east to west. But the amount of
scenery crammed on to this tiny island paradise is enough to take up the better
part of a year, if only you had the time. Volcanic fissures form a perennially
boiling lake, the second largest such lake in the world. Rare breeds of bird,
including Jacquot and Sisserou parrots, make their home here. A local myth has
it that there are 365 rivers in Dominica, one to explore each day of the year.
You will want to pack good shoes for your excursion to
Dominica, as the best way to see everything there is to see here is by hiking.
Scuba divers will also be in paradise here, as some beautiful coral reefs and
rare fish can be seen in Dominica's mind-blowing crystal clear waters.
Most travelers spend the majority of their time in Roseau,
Dominica's capital city, which is located along the southwest corner of the
island. The rainforest is a little more inland, covering 17,000 acres in the
southern part of Dominica.
English is widely spoken, as it is the official language of
Dominica, but you'll be able to brush up on your French patois, if you are so
inclined. The Creole influence is heavy here, in everything from crafts to local
foods.
St. Lucia
Just recently, St. Lucia, and Castries in particular, has
become one of the most popular regions for tourists. The accommodations and
facilities are top of the line, and the restaurants and activities fabulous. The
majority of travelers reside between Castries, which is the capital of St.
Lucia, and the northern end of the island. The entire north side of the island
is comprised of white-sand beaches to dazzle even the most seasoned and
experienced traveler. The water is a glorious blue-green, and the atmosphere is
a majestic combination of beach and lush gardens. With the exception of the area
between Castries and the northern peninsula, the island is unspoiled and a lot
of it only inhabited by exotic animal life.
St. Lucia is a mountainous island of about 240 square miles,
and approximately 240,000 citizens reside there. Derek Walcott, native of
Castries, won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1992. He is extremely proud of
his hometown, but he does not write of his bountiful homeland, out of fear that
"everyone [will] go there and overrun the place." Unfortunately,
others are doing the writing for him, and the area is already bustling with
tourists.
Banana plantations, green-mantled mountains, valleys,
wildflowers, a bubbling-volcano, and interesting fishing villages are only the
beginning of this incredible paradise. The majestic Pitons, two 2,000 foot
mountains that rise from the sea in dramatic and breathtaking fashion, are a one
of the scenic wonders of the world.Taking a tour around the island is like
watching all of the best cinematography out of your favorite movie. The sights
and sounds will dazzle your senses and the beauty will boggle your mind. St.
Lucia is truly an experience that is a must for any Caribbean traveler.
The beaches and wide array of outdoor sports on St. Lucia are
marvelous. You could not ask for more activities and fun-filled events to occupy
your time. The best part about the island is that if you do choose to have a day
out of the sun, the shopping, dining, and indoor relaxation stations on St.
Lucia are magnificent.
Antigua
Situated in the sun-drenched Caribbean, Antigua is a gorgeous hideaway with spectacular beaches, inspiring coral reefs, and a laid-back atmosphere that separates this cruise destination from the hustle and bustle of many other Caribbean ports of call. The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua is a land rich in history and culture, and sure to delight anyone who ventures onto its welcoming shores.
Once a British colony, Antigua has gained independence and is now part of the nations of Antigua and Barbuda. Its vibrant capital, St. John's, still possesses many reminders of its linkages to the United Kingdom, especially in a tour of its unique architecture, agricultural institutions, and artistic culture.
The transformation from an economically challenged land of sugar plantations to a popular cruise destination has been gradual. This is beneficial in many ways to those visiting Antigua, for you won't find tremendous over-development and miles and miles of high-rise hotels dotting the coastal landscape. Instead, you will be treated to ample dining, shopping, and local activities, albeit at a scale that invites you to soak in the natural beauty of the area, which there is certainly no lack of.
The capital city of St. John's is ideally located on the beautiful northeast coast of the island. From there, you can branch out in all directions to explore this fascinating island. Just south of town are the beautiful beaches of Darkwood, Driftwood, and Johnson's Point. Marvel at the inspiring Boggy Peak as it rises from just beyond the crashing waves.
Southeast of the capital is the beautiful Nelson's Dockyard National Park, located at Pigeon Point. Calm waters and pristine white-sandy beaches await you at this southern terminus of the island.
For the water sports enthusiasts among you, be sure to take along your scuba and snorkeling gear. Antigua is well known for its wonderful diving spots, including the reefs at Half Moon Bay, and the snorkeling haven of Long Bay, northeast of St. John's.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts, the first English settlement in all of the Leeward
Islands, was in British possession until 1983, when this island, along with
Nevis, declared their independence and formed a tiny, two-island nation. The
pioneering and energetic spirit of a move such as this lives on, and is quite
recognizable in the demeanor of the islanders. Friendly and helpful, but not
likely to take guff, the citizens of St. Kitts are extremely proud of their
heritage and ancestry, as well they should be. However, British traditions, such
as the sport of cricket for instance, remain a strong influence on the
inhabitants.
For years St. Kitts suffered because they were basically a
one-resource nation, with all of their monetary revenue coming from sugarcane.
This made the health and wealth of the island extremely fragile, especially
considering its vulnerability to hurricane damage. Hurricane Hugo in 1990 caused
what was then thought to be permanent devastation. But through perseverance and
a rapidly growing tourist economy, St. Kitts rebounded stronger than anyone
could have thought. Travelers have just recently begun to discover the wonders
of St. Kitts, and as a result, tourism is expanding every year, and the economy
is at an all time high.
An interesting situation is brewing in St. Kitts, and it has
to do with its partner island Nevis. Nevis is attempting to break off their
partnership from St. Kitts, and as a result trying to steal a lot of the new
thunder that St. Kitts has acquired. As a result of the verbal war that is being
waged, prospective tourists can find great deals on St. Kitts as they compete to
control the tourism cycle in the Leeward Islands.
The natural beauty of the island remains unspoiled, so
hopefully you will have a chance to get there soon. Unlike many of the
neighboring islands in the Caribbean, St. Kitts is still relatively uncrowded,
and the white-sand beaches stretch for miles. The 18th century
architecture of St. Kitts is magnificent, and the extravagant man-made buildings
are complemented fantastically by the lush rain forests that encapsulate the
majority of the island. This is exactly what makes St. Kitts so incredibly
exciting. The diversity all around the island is amazing, as locals can be seen
shirtless wearing sandals, while others prefer to suit up in thousand dollar
linens, while sipping martinis in one of the posh dining facilities.
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